Kimi Antonelli Is Youngest F1 World Champ As Verstappen Wins Mexico Gp

Kimi Antonelli became the youngest ever driver to claim the prestigious Formula One drivers’ title as he came home in third behind Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton in the Mexico GP.

It seemed a fitting finish, two multiple world champs leading home the champion in waiting.

“I’m speechless. I’m trying to process what has just happened,” said Antonelli.

“And to share this podium with Max and Lewis is truly incredible. Looking forward to some more battles in the future.”

The joy. The elation.

Kimi Antonelli, you have made history today

#F1 #MexicoGP https://t.co/wl85T05JF9

— Formula 1 (@F1) November 1, 2026

Before the start of the race, the title was all but assured, the Italian needing to finish only ninth or better regardless of what his rivals accomplished.

But he wanted to secure the title in style, not merely by coasting to the chequered flag, and drove an assured race amidst some chaos to make the podium aside two legends of the sport.

In claiming the title with four races to spare, Antonelli broke many records.

Aside from being youngest ever at 20 years and 68 days old, he also became the first Italian champion since Alberto Ascari in 1953 and is the first champion born in the 2000s.

From Seb, to Kimi

Passing on love, advice, and the youngest-ever champion record

#F1 #MexicoGP https://t.co/L61c8R91QL

— Formula 1 (@F1) November 1, 2026

THE TALE OF THE RACE

Throughout the 2026 season, there has often been a discrepancy of tyre tactics between the teams as the blankets came off.

Mexico was slightly different, most starting on the soft compound Pirellis with only Verstappen on the medium out of the top ten starters.

And when the lights went out, it was Hamilton who held the lead into Turn 1 with Leclerc in close pursuit as Russell dropped to fifth.

“CHAOS ON THE OPENING LAP!” https://t.co/SX670B9fDq

— Sky Sports F1 (@SkySportsF1) November 1, 2026

With the Ferraris battling for position into Turn 4, there was contact – Hamilton getting tagged by his teammate and letting Verstappen past into second position.

It was a controversial moment, Leclerc maintaining the lead but with the stewards slapping him with a five second penalty.

Worse was to come for Russell with a ten second penalty for causing a collision also applied and spelling the end of his slim title hopes.

Behind the drama out front, Antonelli was just where he wanted to be as the field stretched out, maintaining a comfortable fourth behind Hamilton.

This trio

The perfect podium lift on the day Kimi Antonelli is crowned Drivers’ Champion!

#F1 #MexicoGP https://t.co/NBs6WYdbYH

— Formula 1 (@F1) November 1, 2026

As always, the race would come down to the all-important pit stop windows on what would be a one stop strategy.

With the respective time penalties applied, the net result after the first stops was that Verstappen held the lead and Red Bull’s gamble was justified.

But with Valtteri Bottas spearing into the barriers at Turn 1 with 25 laps remaining, it threw one last spanner into the mix.

A red flag meant another standing start and the field allowed to change to soft compound tyres to the end of the race. Some new, some used.

Does Charles need to give up the lead after his and Lewis’ battle took to the grass? https://t.co/h9jC2qMkrb

— Sky Sports F1 (@SkySportsF1) November 1, 2026

It led to a frantic finish, Verstappen maintaining the lead whilst yet again Hamilton and Leclerc squabbled for position, Leclerc locking up and allowing his teammate by.

Moments later it was Antonelli who streamed past Leclerc, wanting to finish in style.

It was just like the good old days again. Verstappen versus Hamilton for the race win but not with a championship at stake.

And so it transpired, Verstappen the 4x champion leading the 7x champion and new champion to the chequered flag.

WHAT A MOMENT!

Now he can celebrate

#F1 #MexicoGP https://t.co/lCDUXuJSeU

— Formula 1 (@F1) November 1, 2026

As for the race winner? Greatness recognises greatness and Verstappen delivered a fitting victory speech.

“Yeah, it’s incredible, of course, what a season he had,” said Verstappen.

“To do that also at such an age, I think is really, really impressive. It’s amazing to see the whole team of course, celebrating with him.

Goosebumps. https://t.co/5en0k7SSTT

— Sky Sports F1 (@SkySportsF1) November 1, 2026

“His family is here as well, so I’m sure this is a very emotional day for him and I’m very proud of him.”

There will be many, many battles between these three Mexico podium finishers to come.

Of that, there is no doubt.

TAKE THE F1 TRACK TO YOUR HOME WITH THE ULTIMATE RIGS FROM FANATEC

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